Tim Burton is a visionary filmmaker known for his distinctive gothic aesthetic, quirky characters, and imaginative storytelling. Over his illustrious career, he has created a plethora of cinematic masterpieces that have captivated audiences worldwide. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through Burton’s filmography, ranking every movie from worst to best and providing detailed summaries of each. So, grab your popcorn, put on your black eyeliner, and let’s dive into the whimsical world of Tim Burton.
20. Planet of the Apes (2001)
In this sci-fi remake, an astronaut (Mark Wahlberg) crash-lands on a planet ruled by intelligent apes, where humans are enslaved. While the film boasts impressive makeup and visual effects, it lacks the depth and social commentary of the original. The plot feels convoluted and the characters are underdeveloped, resulting in a forgettable entry in Burton’s filmography. Despite some thrilling action sequences and Tim Roth’s menacing performance as the villainous chimpanzee General Thade, Planet of the Apes fails to live up to its potential. The film’s twist ending also leaves much to be desired, feeling more like a gimmick than a satisfying conclusion. Overall, this remake proves that even with Burton’s visual flair, not every classic needs a modern update.
19. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
In this live-action/CGI hybrid, a 19-year-old Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to the magical world of her childhood, where she must fulfill her destiny and end the Red Queen’s (Helena Bonham Carter) reign of terror. While the film is a visual spectacle with stunning set designs and costumes, it lacks the charm and whimsy of Lewis Carroll’s original tale. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the Mad Hatter is more unsettling than endearing, and the plot feels overly convoluted. The film’s reliance on CGI also detracts from the overall experience, making Wonderland feel artificial and disconnected. Despite its commercial success, Alice in Wonderland is a prime example of style over substance, failing to capture the heart and soul of its source material.
18. Dark Shadows (2012)
Based on the 1960s gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows follows vampire Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) as he awakens in 1972 and must protect his dysfunctional descendants from various supernatural threats. The film struggles to find its footing, unsure whether to embrace its campy roots or aim for a more serious tone. Depp’s performance as Barnabas is entertaining but lacks depth, while the supporting cast, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green, is underutilized. The plot meanders and fails to engage the audience fully, despite some humorous moments and impressive set designs. Ultimately, Dark Shadows is a missed opportunity that fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise and talented ensemble cast.
17. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
In this remake of the 1971 classic, Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s (Johnny Depp) mysterious chocolate factory. While the film boasts impressive visuals and a memorable performance by Depp, it fails to capture the magic and charm of the original. The updated Oompa Loompa musical numbers feel out of place, and the added backstory for Wonka is unnecessary and detracts from the character’s mystique. The child actors’ performances are also uneven, with some coming across as grating rather than endearing. Despite its shortcomings, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory still manages to entertain with its colorful set pieces and imaginative world-building, but it ultimately pales in comparison to its predecessor.
16. Big Eyes (2014)
Big Eyes tells the true story of artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), whose husband Walter (Christoph Waltz) takes credit for her popular paintings of children with oversized eyes. The film is a departure from Burton’s usual fantastical style, instead opting for a more grounded, biographical approach. Adams delivers a strong performance as the oppressed artist, while Waltz chews the scenery as the manipulative and egotistical Walter. The film’s exploration of gender roles and the commercialization of art is intriguing, but its pacing is uneven, and the story lacks the emotional depth needed to fully invest in the characters’ struggles. Despite its flaws, Big Eyes showcases Burton’s versatility as a director and his ability to tackle more realistic subject matter.
15. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
Based on the novel by Ransom Riggs, this fantasy adventure follows teenager Jake (Asa Butterfield) as he discovers a secret refuge for children with extraordinary abilities, led by the enigmatic Miss Peregrine (Eva Green). The film’s visuals are stunning, with Burton’s signature style shining through in the character designs and set pieces. Green delivers a captivating performance as the titular character, while the young cast brings the peculiar children to life with charm and quirkiness. However, the plot feels overstuffed and convoluted at times, struggling to balance its numerous characters and subplots. The film’s reliance on CGI also occasionally detracts from the overall experience, making some of the more fantastical elements feel artificial. Despite its shortcomings, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is an entertaining adventure that showcases Burton’s imagination and ability to bring unique worlds to life.
14. Mars Attacks! (1996)
In this sci-fi comedy, Earth is invaded by a fleet of Martian flying saucers, and it’s up to a ragtag group of humans to save the planet. Mars Attacks! is a loving homage to 1950s B-movies, filled with over-the-top performances, campy humor, and gleefully violent set pieces. The all-star cast, including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, and Pierce Brosnan, clearly has a blast chewing the scenery and embracing the film’s absurdist tone. The Martians’ design, inspired by the Topps trading card series, is a highlight, as are the inventive ways in which they dispatch their human victims. While the film’s satirical edge and dark humor may not be for everyone, Mars Attacks! is a fun, if uneven, romp that showcases Burton’s love for the sci-fi genre and his willingness to push boundaries.
13. Dumbo (2019)
This live-action remake of the 1941 Disney classic follows the story of a young elephant with oversized ears who learns to fly and becomes the star of a struggling circus. While the film boasts impressive visuals and a talented cast, including Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito, it struggles to capture the magic and emotional resonance of the original. The CGI Dumbo is adorable but lacks the charm of his hand-drawn predecessor, and the added human characters and subplots feel unnecessary and detract from the central story. The film’s message of embracing differences and standing up against exploitation is admirable, but its execution is heavy-handed and lacks subtlety. Despite its shortcomings, Dumbo showcases Burton’s visual style and his ability to bring beloved characters to life, even if the end result falls short of its potential.
12. Corpse Bride (2005)
In this stop-motion animated musical, a shy groom (Johnny Depp) accidentally marries a deceased woman (Helena Bonham Carter) and is whisked away to the Land of the Dead. Corpse Bride showcases Burton’s signature gothic aesthetic and his love for the macabre, with stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful score by Danny Elfman. The voice cast, which also includes Emily Watson and Christopher Lee, brings the characters to life with warmth and humor, making the Land of the Dead feel vibrant and inviting. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the afterlife is poignant and surprisingly moving, with a bittersweet ending that lingers long after the credits roll. While Corpse Bride may not reach the heights of Burton’s best work, it is a charming and visually stunning addition to his filmography.
11. Frankenweenie (2012)
A feature-length adaptation of Burton’s 1984 short film, Frankenweenie follows young Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) as he uses science to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life. Shot in black and white and utilizing stop-motion animation, the film is a loving homage to classic horror movies and a testament to the power of a boy’s love for his dog. The voice cast, which includes Winona Ryder and Martin Short, brings the eccentric characters of New Holland to life with humor and heart. The film’s exploration of grief, loss, and the unintended consequences of playing with nature is surprisingly poignant, elevating it above a mere children’s movie. With its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and a healthy dose of Burton’s trademark quirkiness, Frankenweenie is a delightful and heartfelt addition to his canon.
10. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
In this gothic horror film, Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp), a rational-minded constable, investigates a series of gruesome murders in the small town of Sleepy Hollow, where he uncovers the legend of the Headless Horseman. Sleepy Hollow is a visually stunning and atmospheric film that perfectly captures the eerie mood of Washington Irving’s classic tale. Depp delivers a memorable performance as the eccentric and squeamish Crane, while Christopher Walken is terrifying as the Headless Horseman. The film’s production design and cinematography are top-notch, immersing the audience in the dark and foreboding world of Sleepy Hollow. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, the film’s style, suspense, and dark humor make it a thrilling and entertaining ride that showcases Burton’s mastery of the gothic horror genre.
9. Big Fish (2003)
Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom (Albert Finney), a man known for his tall tales, and his son Will (Billy Crudup), who attempts to uncover the truth behind his father’s fantastical stories. The film is a departure from Burton’s usual dark and gothic style, instead opting for a more whimsical and heartwarming approach. The cast, which also includes Ewan McGregor as a young Edward and Jessica Lange as his wife Sandra, delivers strong performances that bring the characters’ emotional journeys to life. The film’s exploration of the power of storytelling, the complexities of father-son relationships, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy is both moving and thought-provoking. With its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and a touching story, Big Fish is a testament to Burton’s versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to craft deeply human stories.
8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
In this musical horror film, Benjamin Barker (Johnny Depp), a barber unjustly imprisoned and driven to madness, returns to London seeking revenge against those who wronged him, all while forming a sinister partnership with Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), who bakes his victims into meat pies. Sweeney Todd is a dark, bloody, and strangely beautiful film that perfectly captures the essence of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical. Depp and Bonham Carter deliver powerful performances, both in acting and singing, bringing the tragic and twisted characters to life. The film’s production design and cinematography are stunning, creating a grim and atmospheric vision of Victorian London. With its haunting score, pitch-black humor, and unflinching violence, Sweeney Todd is a bold and daring film that showcases Burton’s ability to blend genres and push boundaries.
7. Batman Returns (1992)
In this sequel to Burton’s 1989 Batman, the Dark Knight (Michael Keaton) faces off against the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) in a battle for the soul of Gotham City. Batman Returns is a darker, more complex, and more subversive film than its predecessor, delving deeper into the psyches of its characters and the corruption at the heart of Gotham. Keaton delivers another strong performance as Batman, while DeVito and Pfeiffer steal the show as the film’s villains, bringing a mix of pathos, menace, and dark humor to their roles. The film’s production design and cinematography are even more impressive than the first film, creating a gothic and dystopian vision of Gotham that feels both timeless and unique. With its bold storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the Batman mythos, Batman Returns is a superhero film that stands the test of time.
6. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
In Burton’s feature film debut, man-child Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) embarks on a cross-country adventure to recover his beloved stolen bicycle. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is a delightfully absurd and endlessly quotable film that showcases Burton’s unique visual style and comedic sensibilities. Reubens is a revelation as Pee-wee, bringing a manic energy and childlike wonder to the character that is both hilarious and endearing. The film’s set pieces, from the infamous “Tequila” dance to the encounter with Large Marge, are unforgettable and have become a part of pop culture history. With its colorful characters, inventive visuals, and a genuine sense of fun and whimsy, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is a comedic gem that launched Burton’s career and remains a beloved cult classic.
5. Beetlejuice (1988)
In this supernatural comedy, recently deceased couple Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) enlist the help of the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to scare away the new inhabitants of their home. Beetlejuice is a wild, irreverent, and endlessly inventive film that perfectly captures Burton’s unique blend of humor, horror, and heart. Keaton delivers a manic and unforgettable performance as the titular character, stealing every scene he’s in with his outrageous antics and quotable one-liners. The film’s production design and special effects are a marvel, creating a bizarre and otherworldly vision of the afterlife that is both spooky and hilarious. With its clever script, memorable characters, and a genuine sense of originality, Beetlejuice is a comedic masterpiece that remains one of Burton’s most beloved and influential films.
4. Batman (1989)
In Burton’s groundbreaking superhero film, billionaire Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) dons the cape and cowl to battle the Joker (Jack Nicholson), a criminal mastermind terrorizing Gotham City. Batman is a dark, stylish, and psychologically complex film that redefined the superhero genre and paved the way for the modern comic book movie. Keaton delivers a nuanced and understated performance as Batman, bringing depth and humanity to the character, while Nicholson chews the scenery as the Joker, creating an iconic villain that is both terrifying and darkly humorous. The film’s gothic production design and brooding score by Danny Elfman create a moody and atmospheric vision of Gotham that feels both timeless and unique. With its mature storytelling, unforgettable performances, and a genuine sense of artistry, Batman is a superhero film that stands the test of time and remains one of Burton’s most influential works.
3. Ed Wood (1994)
Ed Wood is a biographical comedy-drama that tells the story of the eponymous filmmaker (Johnny Depp), often cited as the worst director of all time, and his friendship with aging horror icon Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau). The film is a loving tribute to the power of creativity, passion, and friendship, even in the face of adversity and ridicule. Depp delivers a heartfelt and nuanced performance as Wood, capturing the director’s boundless enthusiasm and optimism, while Landau is a revelation as Lugosi, bringing depth and pathos to the role that earned him a well-deserved Academy Award. Shot in black and white and featuring meticulous period detail, the film captures the look and feel of Wood’s low-budget films while also serving as a poignant meditation on the fleeting nature of fame and the human need for acceptance. With its witty script, outstanding performances, and a genuine sense of affection for its subject, Ed Wood is a masterful film that showcases Burton’s growth as a filmmaker and his ability to find beauty and humanity in even the most unlikely of places.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In this stop-motion animated musical, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes obsessed with bringing the joy of Christmas to his ghoulish world, with disastrous results. Although directed by Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a quintessential Burton film, featuring his distinctive visual style, macabre sensibilities, and a story that blends the whimsical with the darkly humorous. The film’s stunning stop-motion animation brings the characters and world of Halloween Town to life with intricate detail and expressiveness, while Danny Elfman’s hauntingly beautiful score and songs perfectly capture the film’s unique blend of spookiness and heart. With its unforgettable characters, dazzling visuals, and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a timeless classic that exemplifies Burton’s singular vision and his enduring impact on popular culture.
1. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
In this modern fairy tale, an artificial man named Edward (Johnny Depp), who has scissors for hands, is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their teenage daughter Kim (Winona Ryder), all while struggling to find his place in a world that fears and misunderstands him. Edward Scissorhands is a deeply moving and poetic film that showcases Burton’s ability to find beauty, humanity, and tragedy in the most unlikely of places. Depp delivers a heartbreaking performance as Edward, conveying the character’s innocence, vulnerability, and longing for connection through his expressive eyes and subtle gestures. The film’s pastel-colored suburban setting serves as a perfect contrast to Edward’s gothic appearance, highlighting his status as an outsider and the narrow-mindedness of those around him. With its touching story, unforgettable characters, and a genuine sense of magic and wonder, Edward Scissorhands is a masterpiece that remains Burton’s most personal and emotionally resonant film, cementing his status as one of the most unique and visionary filmmakers of his generation.
From his early days as a visually inventive director with a penchant for the weird and whimsical to his later work as a master of gothic fantasy and dark humor, Tim Burton has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His films, with their distinctive visual style, unforgettable characters, and stories that blend the magical with the macabre, have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. Whether he’s reinventing beloved tales like Batman and Alice in Wonderland, or crafting original stories like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, Burton’s work is always a testament to the power of creativity, individuality, and the enduring appeal of the outsider. As we look back on his filmography, it’s clear that Tim Burton is not just a filmmaker, but a true artist whose vision and influence will continue to inspire and enchant audiences for generations to come.
